I am often asked where I get ideas for my one-of-a-kind jewelry. My response is always the same: Mother’s Nature! In my latest book Stranded - published by Heyday Books this year - I describe my relationship with the surrounding wild, and how animals and plants inspire my work as a scientist and a jewelry maker. Here, my dog Genghis holds a copy of the book.
jewelry inspiration
Taking inspiration from a "tufo" rock...
Tuff (from the Italian tufo) is a type of porous rock made of volcanic ash ejected from a vent during a volcanic eruption. Tuff inspired the design of this handmade organic-looking ring made in reclaimed silver and gold.
tufo ring: one-of-a-kind, elegant and timeless
What's inspiring me this Fall?
I AM THE LAB asked me a few questions about my work, my source of inspiration and what's new in my shop for Fall. Here is what I answered!
sasso patagonico necklace
I scored!
Isn’t this Baharal + Gnida brooch beautiful? I found it in a small second-hand shop in West Los Angeles. The piece was hiding, lost under a pile of junk trinkets… I was lucky to see it.
Talya Baharal and Gene Gnida are a married couple working together exploring sculptural form as jewelry. Talya is from Israel and began her collaboration with Gene in the late 1980’s. Their artistic language blended instantly. Their work has been featured in galleries and in Elle, Vogue, Bazaar and The New York Times. Baharal + Gnida jewelry is amazing, especially some of the pieces within the “Urban Landscape” and “Residue” series, inspired by the streets of Pittsburgh. Everything is hand-formed and made of silver - like this brooch - or bronze, copper and steel.
Baharal + Gnida brooch
signatures on back